a Landmark
Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya in Turkey) is a sixth-century church that was converted in 1453 and now a museum in a mosque. Even today, it’s a great building, not just for its massive monumental batch, but also for its huge, stately interior, with superb Byzantine mosaics in gold, dark green, and blue, and showcases The largest example of Arabic calligraphy in the world.
a Palace
The sprawling Topkapi complex was extended over the centuries by the Ottoman sultans as their palace and base of power. Its pavilions are tiled and meticulously decorated, and contain a collection of precious books, silverware, armor and jewels. The world’s largest kitchen houses a fine collection of china and was once home to 1,000 servants. Its terrace overlooks the Bosphorus.
a Museum
Housed in the former prime minister’s palace in the 16th century, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts displays an extensive collection of calligraphy, tiles, antique carpets, Korans, inlaid daggers, incense burners and mother-of-pearl boxes. Don’t miss the official signature of the ornate Suleiman, which showcases intricate calligraphy decorated with floral and geometric designs.
a District
Ortakoy — the “middle village” of Turkey — sits on the Bosphorus on the European side of Istanbul in Europe and was once a favorite Ottoman getaway. Now firmly situated in the middle of the metropolis, its many restaurants, street markets, small shops and nightclubs ensure its perennial popularity. The small but very ornate Ortkay Mosque sits on the waterfront.
a Bazaar
The Egyptian Bazaar, part of a new mosque complex in the 1660s, served as a conduit for the Asia-Europe trade in cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg and other spices for centuries. Now it’s a tourist spot, but it still has a strong scent. Bags of spices, olives, dried fruits and scented tea will stimulate your senses. You can also buy Turkish pastries infused with honey or rose water.
a Cafe
Just off the West Egypt Bazaar is the legendary Istanbul cafe Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, founded nearly 150 years ago and now a leading supplier of Turkish coffee beans. Follow the aroma of roasted beans and settle into the Art Deco interior in a thick piece of Turkish coffee, a small glass of dense Turkish coffee, perhaps flavored with chicory or cardamom.
a Hotel
Transform an Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus into a luxury hotel, decorate it with marble private rooms and a gorgeous swimming pool, add a small bar with a harbour view, and you’ve got a winner . Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul on the Bosphorus is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and has luxurious rooms from where to watch ferries and cargo ships sail past.
a Restaurant-Happy Moon’s
As the first brand of Happy Moon’s Group,Happy Moon’s first opened our doors in 1999 in Kadikoy Bahariye Street.
With its large portion,fast service and good service strategy,they have increased our number of branches to 38 in 21 years.
They have become a chain restaurant brand serving in Baku as well as Turkey.
By applying the concepts of affordable price and luxury to cafe and business administration,they aim to serve all our guests without compromising quality,
hygiene and freshness as much as possible,starting with the mission of becoming a world brand.
a Hammam
Cagaloglu Hamami is perhaps the most refined score for Istanbul’s historic Turkish Hamami. The 1741 building features a marble interior and a central steam room under the Ottoman dome. Using roving, indulging in the tub outdoors hanging in the bathroom, and finishing with a waiter rub with Turkish tea before stinging with a full face.
One Thing
The Bosphorus has been a great waterway for millennia and occupies a public commuter ferry between the Asian and European coasts. The easiest and cheapest way to get into the water is to see the Istanbul skyline in Mittanit standards. Wire. Smaller, less crowded boats are also on the tourist route for tourists.
